I am in the market for a drumpad controller. I've never used drumpad controllers. I've only ever used a midi keyboard to control drum samples and I find it really frustrating as I like the idea of being able to hit/tap something which feels more like playing a percussion instrument. I really don't want to do what I usually do and spend hours of my precious time deep diving into YT reviews and inevitably getting analysis paralysis and not making a decision.
The NI mikro mk3 looks good for the money and there are a couple of used ones on the market from £95 and I like that they come with built in presets.
I am also keen on something more minimalist like the Keith McMillen boppad thought it looks a bit limited as there are only 4 separate pads that one can play at a time, from what I can tell.
I currently have an arturia keystep 37 which a great compact mobile midi keyboard. I am considering getting the arturia keylab essential 61/49 mk3 which from the reviews seems to have some really decent drum pads which gives the best of both worlds on one control surface.
Simplicity is key for me so I am trying to figure out the simplest and most minimal way to go about it.
Would love to hear advice and suggestions, cheers!
Comments
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg_imQDC4eUOjuBBRl2mBwA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyQgllCIpqY
https://rozaliftwave.bandcamp.com/
I will take a look cheers
Actually I did look at something like this as it has large pads for sticks. I will have a further look
It is also a standalone instrument you can use for practicing your drumming.
Gear recommendations for finger drumming in 2024 - The Quest for Groove,
I know you didn't want to watch videos, but I thought this was useful....
Cheers, will take a look at those options
Funny enough I actually started watching this review and skimmed through most of it. I can't seem to finish any gear review videos these days! I think I've reached saturation point and my tolerance is about a minute, lol! The just I got is that the NI maschine is a good option. Cheers for sharing though
https://deadastronaut.wixsite.com/effects/copy-of-nano-8-midi-drums
Tidy pedal sized enclosure is shown somewhere. Pads are a bit DIY, but it would be a nice thing to have.
Look interesting, never thought of going the DIY route, I'll have a look into it.
I vastly prefer the Nord Drum 3 for this.
It is compact, has great feel and uses synthesis rather than samples for sounds.
If you are just triggering plugins then it doesn't matter muuch.
I deeply dislike the Roland SPD-SX (unless you want to buy mine, in which case it is awesome, pls buy it) as it is fiddly and the sampling capability sucks compared to a proper sampler.
The Alesis is good.
Not for me but a lot of people like it.
I much prefer using sticks to finger drumming, especially for double strokes and typical drummery things.
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